Lieutenant John Heard was the commander of a small element of the 3rd US Cavalry, dispatched from Florida on an ammunition and supply ship, the USS Wanderer, to re-supply insurgent forces in Cuba. After landing only six miles from a strong Spanish fort at Bahia Hondo to deliver ammunition and supplies to the native allies of the American forces in Cuba, Heard's small detachment was attacked by a vastly superior enemy force. Heard's leadership and valor enabled his men to organize and resist, whereupon he ordered a withdrawal to their ship. During the return to the Wanderer, the Spanish attacked again, taking the Americans and Cubans under heavy fire. While any number of these actions might have qualified Lieutenant Heard for the Medal of Honor, his citation actually cites him for heroism in the withdrawal stating: "After 2 men had been shot down by Spaniards while transmitting orders to the engine-room on the Wanderer, the ship having become disabled, this officer took the position held by them and personally transmitted the orders, remaining at his post until the ship was out of danger."

John Heard graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1883.